Covid-19, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Markets and Companies

The prime minister noted that Covid-19 has not disappeared in the world and there is still neither a medicine nor a vaccine against the disease. 

Karins said that Latvia saw quite a long period of low Covid-19 incidence but that an increase in new cases has been registered for the past four days. 

"In order to timely prevent a larger Covid-19 outbreak, the government decided on Friday to step up some restrictions," Karins said. 

He reminded that people in Latvia are still advised to follow precautionary guidelines, including washing hands, not touching the face with unwashed hands, avoiding crowding and keeping a two-meters distance, as well as using AprturiCovid contact tracing app.

As reported, in order to contain the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus and prevent an increase in the number of new Covid-19 cases, the government today approved shortening public catering establishments' opening hours.

The government supported draft regulations developed by the Health Ministry, which stipulate amending the Law on Epidemiological Safety Measures for the Containment of the Spread of Covid-19 Infection, specifying restrictions introduced because of Covid-19.

According to the draft amendments, information on the maximum number of patrons at any one time must be posted at all public catering establishments (at least at the entrance and at the cash register).

Restrictions on the maximum numbers of people at public catering establishments will be extended until September 1.

The draft amendments also stipulate that cultural, sports, entertainment, religious and public catering establishments may open no earlier than 6 a.m. and close no later than at 12 midnight.

As reported, 11 new Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Latvia after testing 1,841 people on Thursday and last night, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control informed today.